Soul

A huge amount of smoke and ash can be seen polluting the once clear sky. While screams, moans, and roars of agony filled the air. The land below the sky is shown as nothing more than a horrific battlefield. Fires were burning all throughout the land; voices echoed and cried for help. What was this place? Why was their so much fighting? This place was none other than the dragon lands. The home for all dragons. One dragon with red and gold armor can be shown fighting and unarmored aquamarine dragon. Both of them were battling viciously; almost as if they were wild animals that were fighting over a fresh kill. Blood flew from them in all directions as they fought each other. The blood staining their scales in a crimson red. In a matter of minutes the armored dragon feel dead on the battlefield. Although, the aquamarine dragon would've loved to enjoy its victory. It still had to help it's army win this battle; which meant it had to kill another enemy dragon. Before the enemy claimed its life.

A small dragon; about half the size of a teenage dragon, is shown flying high above the two armies. It wore bronze colored armor that perfectly matched its body. The dragon looked in all directions; seeing nothing but bloodshed, and endless violence. All around multiple dragons lay dead or wounded on the battlefield. The dirt was beginning to turn muddy and red from all the blood that was being spilled. The dragon released a loud roar and flew back down to the battle; landing on an enemy dragon and slicing its throat wide open with its talons.

“Keep fighting!” The dragon yelled in female voice before attacking another enemy dragon, “We can win this!” She continued to shout before stabbing her tail blade; through the chest of the dragon, “Just keep fighting!”

“Dragon lord, Ember!” A male dragon in black as night armor yelled as he got next to her. Blocking the attack of another enemy dragon, “We need to retreat!” He growled before he was talon locked with the dragon, “We can't win this!” The dragon finished before he broke the lock and stabbed his claws; deep into the gut of the enemy dragon.

“We need to retreat!” A dragoness shouted before blocking an attack from another dragon, “We need to retreat now!”

All Ember could do was look around; seeing her army being beaten back by the Zalcoatl's. Balling her fists; her eyes slowly closed and a single tear escaped from her left eye. She then heard the loud roaring sound of a Zalcoatl warrior. Snapping her out of her small moment of weakness; sadly, though she did not have time to block the attack. Her eyes widened in horror as she watched the dragon bring its claws back. Ready to slice her completely open; ready to end her life with no hesitation at all. Suddenly blood flew out from the dragons neck and splattered all over Embers face. Almost making her scream loudly in complete shock. Another dragons claws were sticking through the neck of the other dragon. Making it gurgle loudly before it feel to the ground. Revealing what appeared to be a small purple dragon with green spikes; standing on the back of its neck.

“Are you okay, Ember?” The young dragon asked as he looked up at her. Showing her the concern and fear on his face.

Shaking her head rapidly to snap herself out of the daze. She gave the dragon a nod and knelt down to meet his height.

“Yes, Spike. I'm fine,” She answered while helping him remove his claw from the dragons neck, “Thank you.” She thanked.

“Don't thank me, yet,” Spike said before the two stood back to back; seeing that they were surrounded by nothing but enemy dragons. Which circled them almost like a wolf pack; waiting for the signal to attack. “We still have a whole lot of Zalcoatl's to go.” He finished as both of them released loud growls.

(Damn the future! Forget the past! Enjoy the present while it lasts!)

One of the enemy dragons released a loud roar and charged at the two. Flashing it lethal teeth and readying its deadly claws.

(We are no generation of peace. We are no generation of love.)

Ember, easily blocked the attack and killed the enemy dragon. Before she threw the body back at the surrounding dragons.

(We are the generation of hate and war; something we will never be able to rise above.)

Spike is shown climbing up the back of another enemy dragon; once he reached its neck. He used his claws to slice the dragons neck open; before he ripped the dragons esophagus out and shoved it back in through its mouth.

(Everyday some poor innocent soul has been murdered. How many does that make? I've lost count of the numbers.)

Ember is shown holding one of the dragons down; only to slowly pry open its mouth and shoot a breath of fire down its throat. Burning the dragon alive from the inside out.

(We say we will bring unity and love to the world. While our leaders say they will bring peace; that is their word.)

One of the dragon got lucky and landed a hard punch to Embers stomach. But, thankfully, Spike,  had managed to jump onto the dragons face. Allowing him to claw the dragons eyes out.

(Just yesterday a young man got ran over. Because the driver of the car did not like his skin color.)

The dragon that Spike had attacked roared loudly in pain. Before it started to launch attacks left and right; almost hitting both Spike and Ember a couple a times. But, because it was blinded; it would occasionally hit one of its brothers in arms.

(I remember when I was watching the new report. It said another persons life was cut short.)

A loud roar then echoed across the battlefield; just seconds before Embers' father, Torch. Is shown crushing about ten of the enemies soldiers; with one of his front fore claws.

(God, this world is damned to hell. Oh, God! Some Murderer drowned a poor kid in a well.)

Torch is shown releasing a huge jet of fire; burning about fifty enemy dragons to a crisp.

(Fuck our leaders and their words. Because we have lost our world.)

Ember is shown stabbing her tail blade through the mid-section of another dragon. While Spike ripped out its jugular vein; with his razor sharp teeth.

((Damn, the future! Forget the Past! Enjoy the present while it lasts! Enjoying living as long as you can. Because our world is damned. We can't learn anything from the past. If we continue to be dumb-asses. So good luck for the future. Because living in the present is nothing but torture!))

Ember is suddenly pinned down by a dragon. Which growled loudly as it lifted its claws into the air. Ready to kill her.

(I hear the loud cracking sounds of pistols being fired.)

Ember immediately slashed the dragons stomach. Causing it to back off; before she tackled the dragon to the ground. Only to completely dismember the dragon; with her brute force and her lethal claws.

(As I see another persons home being set on fire.)

One of Embers soldiers is shown running through the battlefield. Its scales can be seen slowly falling off its body; showing all of its muscles and tendons. As it painfully roared and screamed.

(People say our world is at its peak.)

Spike is shown stabbing his claws deep into a dragons stomach. Making blood spill all over his scales and claws.

(Well, in my dam opinion; our world is on a losing streak.)

Torch is shown crushing about fifty dragon with his massive tail.

(Everyday a new war is being started. Innocent people are now the targets.)

An enemy dragon is shown biting off the tail of one of Embers warriors.

(Just recently some manic had bombed a gas station. Just because he wanted some attention.)

One dragon is shown being impaled onto a really large pointed rock.

(What the point of living anymore? When all of use are on the receiving end of a sword!)

Ember is shown ripping the wings off one of the enemy dragons. Just before she threw the dragon over a cliff.

((Damn the future! Forget the past! Enjoy the present while it lasts. Enjoy the last days of freedom. Because someone is about to claim them. You better lock all you doors and windows; before you go to bed. If not then you might be the next one dead.))

high above the bloody battlefield a flock of buzzards are shown circling. Waiting patiently for their chance to eat the flesh of the fallen.

(There is no future for our people. In this world there is just too much evil!)

a group of five enemy dragons can be shown landing onto the back of Torches head.

(There is no good left; there is only violence. If there is good; it is quickly silenced.)

Torch roared loudly as he tried to get them off of him.

(Peace and love are nothing but a pipe dream. Will there ever be a day; when I don't hear someone screaming?)

a loud rumbling sound can be heard coming from the sky. Just seconds before a winged snake-like dragon is shown slowly descending.

(I remember when one our leaders said; bring world peace, would not be a hassle. Now our world is up shit creek without a paddle.)

Torch roared loudly in rage before he flew up towards the dragon.

(Damn, the motherfucking future; because now we have none.)

Ember is shown looking up in complete horror.

(Forget the bullshit from the past! It's over and done.)

Spike also looked up and he could not believe what he was seeing.

(Better enjoy the present while it lasts. Because some murderer is going to eventually kill your ass.)

All of the dragon on the battlefield bellow could not believe what they were seeing. Torch, the previous lord of the dragons. Was falling out of the sky in the form of a massive fireball. When his body made contact with the earth; the earth itself shook almost as if a massive earthquake was starting to happen. While a huge cloud of dirt flew into the air; blocking out what little light there was over the battlefield.

“DAD!” Ember screamed as she ran towards where he feel with Spike right behind her. As the two ran towards the fallen dragon; both armies resumed their fighting. Causing the bloodshed to continue.

“Dad!” Ember shouted as she ran; not caring about what was happening around her, not caring about the status of her army. All she cared about was her father; nothing, absolutely nothing else mattered to her. When she reached his massive face she could feel his labored breathing. Which made a few tears fall from her eyes. Slowly, she walked towards and and rested her head against his maw. Releasing a few sobs as she gently nuzzled him.

“Ember.” Torch breathed out as he opened one of his eyes. Allowing him to see the small form of his beautiful daughter. A small smile stretched across his face as he released a happy purr.

“Dad,” Ember cried before she fell to her knees. Just before Spike had made it to her side.

“Torch,” Spike said as he placed a caring claw on the massive dragons maw, “It's okay. You're going to be okay.” He finished as he tried to use what little magic he had left. Putting all he had in one final healing spell. But, it was not enough.

Torch could only chuckle as he stared at the two who tried to help him. He then heard the roaring sound of multiple Zalcoatl's heading right for them. Looking up; he saw the army slowly approaching them. Ready to finally wipe out the last of Princess Embers mighty army. Giving a low growl; he staggered to his feet and stood in between the two and the army.

“Dad! No!” Ember shouted.

“I'll hold them off,” Torch growled as he readied himself for his very last battle, “Both of you, go!” He roared.

“No!” Both of them growled as they readied themselves for one final battle.

“Go!” Torch roared as the enemy army grew closer.

“You're not fighting or dying alone!” Spike roared.

“I SAID GO!” Torch roared out one last time before he hit them with his massive tail. Sending both of them flying high into the sky.

Ember quickly got her bearings and caught Spike before he had hit the ground. Both of them watched with looks of sadness and horror. Torch, the previous dragon lord before his daughter. Was slowly being destroyed by Zalcoatl's. Releasing one final saddened roar she flew away from the battlefield; with Spike riding on her back. Leaving her father behind to die alone.

Ember had no idea how long she had been flying or where she was going. All that was running through her mind; was just loud angry voices. They yelled, “Why didn't you stay?!” “Your father needed you! You coward!” “You are not worthy to be called, Dragon lord Ember!” “Ember!” “Ember!”

“Ember!” Spike shouted.

“What!” Ember roared in a voice filled with nothing but anger.

“Incoming!” Spike roared as he shot a jet of flame from his maw. Trying his best to make whatever was chasing them back off.

Ember looked over her shoulder and saw the winged snake-like dragon flying right behind them. Her eyes widened in fear as she saw its maw open; only to send out a bolt of lightning a few seconds later. Just missing the two by a few inches.

“Spike,” Ember said as she looked at him; while he looked back at her, “You know what to do.” She finished while he gave her a nod in response.

Spike watched the dragon closely; studying the way it flew through the sky. As it got closer and closer to them. He saw its maw open and its head shift towards the right.

“Left!” He shouted causing Ember to dodge to the left; just seconds before the dragon shot a bolt of lightning towards them.

Roaring the dragon shifted its head downward preparing to dive bomb the two.

“Up!” Spike shouted causing Ember to fly upwards. Narrowly escaping the dragons dive bomb.

The dragon growled out of complete irritation and prepared to launch another lightning attack. Directly from below the pair.

“Dodge roll!” Spike shouted before he grabbed onto Ember tightly; as she began to roll. The got so close to the two; they could feel the heat from the bolt. When she finally stopped her roll; she listened and waited for Spikes next warning.

“Spike, What's he doing?” Ember asked as she flew as fast and as hard a she could.

“Retreating,” Spike answered in complete confusion, “He's giving up.” He continued.

Ember had a look of confusion appear on her face. The dragon had the two; she knew that she could not dodge the dragon forever and there was no way, Spike could predict the dragons every single move. So why was he backing off? Suddenly she felt the force of gravity immediately take hold of her. Rapidly pulling the two down towards the earth below.

“Spike! Hang on!” Ember yelled as she grabbed hold of Spike and held him close to her. Looking down she could see the ground rapidly approaching. Bracing herself and using her upper body to protect Spike.

But, at the last second Spike flipped the two allowing him to hit the ground first. While Embers fall was slightly broken by Spikes body. The two then found themselves tumbling down a massive, steep, mountain. Both of them yelling and shouting as they tumbled down the side of the mountain. Both of them looked like rag dolls as they rolled down the mountain. Crashing into the many jagged rocks, going airborne for a few seconds; only to crash back down onto the unforgiving rocks. It was almost like watching a horrible accident. Where one wants to desperately stop what is happening. But, they can do absolutely nothing to stop it. In a matter of minutes both of them had finally reached the bottom.

“AHH! AHH!” Spike yelled in a voice filled with nothing but pain.

“Spike!” Ember yelled as she got to her feet. Groaning loudly and stumbling a little as she tried to steady herself. In a matter of seconds she got beside her friend and almost gasped in horror.

Spikes right leg had its bone sticking out of it and both of his eyes were swollen and bleeding. Gently, she grabbed hold of him. Only to her him release a cry of fear.

“Ember! Is that you? I can't see! Please, tell me it's you!” Spike begged in a voice filled with nothing but fear.

“Y-Yes, it's me Spike,” Ember answered as she gently laid him onto the ground bellow, “Hold on. I'm going patch you up.” She said before holding both of her claws over his body. She then closed her eyes and focused all the magic she had left; into a healing spell.

Spikes' body glowed brightly for a few seconds before the light dimmed and he stopped glowing. When Ember opened her eyes; she saw that his leg was still broken, but the bone was not sticking out anymore. His eyes were no longer bleeding; but they were still swollen shut. Sighing heavily; she picked him up off the ground and held him close to her body. Gently rocking him back and forth as he released moans and groans of pain.

“Ember,” Spike sobbed out as small waves of pain coursed through his body, “I......I'm so scared.” He finished as she gently stoked the back of his head. Shushing him as she tried to comfort him.

“It's okay, Spike.” Ember whispered as she looked around the surrounding area; spotting a nearby cave. A smile stretched across her face as she got to her feet and started to walk towards it.

When she reached the mouth of the cave she launched a ball of fire into the cave. Allowing her to see that the cave was uninhabited. Slowly she walked into the cave; keeping herself on high alert for anything she might have missed. In just a few short minutes she reached the back of the caver. She then gently placed Spike on the caves floor. Before she sat down right beside him; allowing him to rest his head against her stomach. While she gently stroked the side of his head.

“E-Ember,” Spike began in a stuttering voice, “I'm....I'm sorry.” He apologized.

Ember gently rubbed the sided of his head as she shushed. “Don't try and talk, Spike,” She whispered as she tried to comfort him, “You've got nothing to be sorry for.” She finished as she reach for a small pouch she had strapped to her leg. Only to pull out a medium sized canteen; she pulled the cork out of the top of it. Looking inside she saw that it was probably about a quart full. She then held the canteen in front of his mouth.

“Here Spike,” She offered as she used her other paw to hold him up, “Have some water.” She said only to have him shake his head in response.

“N-No, Ember,” Spike refused as he tried to blindly push the canteen away. Missing the canteen every time his claws tried to come into contact with it. “You need it more than this stupid soldier does.” He finished.

In the moment she wanted to slap him right across his face. But, instead she tightened her grip around him and pulled him closer to her. She did her best to keep herself from crying; but, when he called himself a stupid warrior. A few tears had managed to actually escaped from her eyes.

“Ember, What's?” Spike began to ask.

“Don't ever call yourself stupid around me again,” Ember sniffled as she began to gently rub his back, “You're not a stupid soldier. You are one of my mightiest soldier in my army. How could you call yourself that around me?” She finished before feeling him nuzzling her stomach. Trying his best to calm and comfort her. Even though; he was the one that need it.

“I'm sorry,” He apologized feeling the vice grip of sadness and guilt, “I'm so sorry, Ember.” He continued.

“You don't need to apologize,” She said before holding the canteen in front of his mouth again, “Please, Spike. Drink some water.” She finished before he reluctantly reached for the canteen.

“Ember, I can't.” He began.

“It's okay. I've got it.” She said as she moved the canteen closer to his lips. Tilting it upwards allowing him to drink the lukewarm liquid inside the canteen.

A few short seconds later Ember moved the canteen away from his lips. Allowing him to take in  a breath of air. She felt him nuzzle her once again and he began to gently purr. It caused her to smile; before she checked the canteen. Allowing her to see that there was just enough water for her or for him. Looking down at him and then to the canteen; she released a heavy sigh and slowly got up from where she sat.

“Ember, where are you going?” He asked her.

“I'm going to go try and find some water,” Ember answered before gently stroking the right side of his head, “I'll be back. I promise.” She finished before walking back towards the entrance of the cave.

When she reached the outside of the cave she finally got a clear view of the surrounding landscape. It was nothing but a massive desert; completely void of life and extremely hot. She brought one of her claws up to shield her eyes from the harsh light. Once her eyes adjusted to the light; she released a heavy sigh and began to search for water. If there was any water out there in that wasteland.

How long had it been since she started her search? An hour? Two hours? Three? She didn't know and she certainly did not care. Every where she looked all she found was nothing but sand and rocks. Sometimes on the rare occasion she would fall victim to a heat mirage. She growled loudly before she punched a nearby rock; causing a large crack to stretch across it. Damn this unforgiving land and this unbearable heat. She then laughed loudly as her walking speed decreased once again.

“Hey, you wouldn't happen to have some water on you, would ya?” She asked a rock she slowly passed, “Excuse me, may I please borrow some water?” She asked a nearby dirt devil that moved across the land like a miniature twister. Laughing almost as if she was slowly falling deeper and deeper into the pit of insanity. Growling loudly she began to launch punches into the air around her. Finally reaching her boiling point with her anger.

“Water! Water! Water! Water! Water! Wa-Whoa!” Ember yelled before she fell through a large hole. Which was covered by the sand almost like a natural camouflage.

Ember groaned loudly in pain as she landed back first onto the stone floor. Slowly; she got to her feet and looked around. She saw that she was in another cave; it was larger than the one her and Spike had found. She released a sigh of relief as she felt the cold air of the cave touch her hot and sweaty scales. She made a mental note to herself to thank Bahamut later.

“Plink.”

Her eyes went wide and she quickly turned around. Allowing her to see a strange metallic structure; which had  blue tarp on top of it. The tarp was made to look like a funnel; which led down into the metallic thing and into another funnel. When she looked down towards the ground where the thing stood. She saw something that caused tears to form in her eyes. Below the thing was a large bowl; which was filled to the brim with water.

“Thank you, Bahamut,” She gasped as she quickly made her was towards the bowl. Kneeling down in front of it; she got out her canteen, unscrewed the top of it, and started to feel it, “Thank you.” She finished. But, her happiness was quickly replaced by terror when she felt something cold press against the back of her head.

“Pour it all back out now!” A deep male voice growled; as she slowly lifted her right claw in the air. While using her left claw to place her canteen on the ground and screw the top back on it.

“Look sir,” Ember spoke in a none threatening voice, “I can't pour this water back into the bowl. Because just like you; I need it.” She finished only to feel the weapon the dragon had press further into the back of her head.

“It's got enough power to take down an Ursa major and it's pressed against the back of your head,” The male voice growled threateningly keeping its weapon at the ready, “What's it gonna be?” He asked.

“Bahamut, give me strength!”

Using her tail she batted the weapon against her head away and quickly turned around. Allowing her to come face to face with another teenage dragon; who was just a little taller than her. She  quickly punched the dragon hard in the gut and tried to punch him in the head. But, her punch was blocked by the dragon. The dragon lifted its left leg up and delivered a hard kick to her gut. Sending her backwards and into the metallic structure; knocking it down to the ground. Releasing a loud roar; she charged towards the dragon and tried to tackle him to the ground. But, the dragon had managed to lock its legs before she had tackled him. Allowing him to lift her up by her stomach and flip her over him; before he slammed her back first hard into the stone floor. Knocking the wind out of her.

“Give up,” The dragon said calmly while placing one of his feet on her chest. Keeping her pinned to the ground, “You cannot beat me.” He finished.

“Never!” Ember roared before shooting a torrent of flame up at him. Causing him to stumble back a little; allowing her to get back up so that she could continue the fight.

The two fought for a solid fifty minutes; but, unfortunately it was Ember who was the one that was defeated. She was lying on her back on the stone floor; panting and coughing loudly as she looked up at the dragon. Who was aiming a strange metallic cylinder object at her head. She looked passed the dragons weapon and stared into the dragons dark red eyes. His eyes seemed to be glowing in the darkness of the cave; almost like a predator who was about to kill its prey. She began to see her life flash before her eyes; she saw everything. Her mother, her father, the moment she became dragon lord, and the moment she made her very first true friend.

“Any final words?” The dragon asked.

“Please,” Ember begged causing a looked of confusion to appear on the dragons face, “Save......Spike.” She finished before the world around her went black and she fell unconscious.

The first thing Ember felt was a shooting pain coming from her back and abdominal area. She hissed loudly in pain as she placed her right claw onto her stomach. Slowly she opened her eyes; only to see the darkness of the cave she had passed out in possibly hours ago. Her eyes went wide and she gasped loudly; while she tried to get to her feet. But, she was gently pushed back down to the ground; by the same dragon who had defeated her earlier.

“Don't move,” He gently spoke while he pushed her back down. Hearing her growling loudly as he pushed her down, “Rest.” he finished.

“Let me go!” She growled as she tried to get up again. Only to have the dragon push her back down again; earning another threatening growl from her, “I need to get back to Spike.” She finished while shooting the dragon a death glare.

“Look down to your left.” The dragon said confusing Ember before she looked down at her left side.

There resting peacefully on her left side was Spike. He seemed to be in a very deep sleep and by his body language, and the small smile that was stretched across his face. He seemed to be having a very good dream. Sighing in relief she began to gently rub the back of his head; causing him to purr happily as he rubbed his head against her paw.

“Ember?” He called out in a voice just barely above a whisper.

“Shhh,” She responded trying her best to keep him from waking him up, “Just sleep for now Spike. You earned it.” She finished as she heard the young drake release a heavy sigh; before snuggling closer to her side.

A happy smile stretch across her face before she looked back towards the other dragon. Who was lying up against a stalagmite. With his weapon  resting on his right leg.

“Thank you.” Ember thanked.

“Shut up and go back to sleep.” The dragon rudely replied before he feel asleep. While Ember growled a little before she also gave into the comfort of sleep.